Tagged Under: Ice Rinks

Prepare for snow in Southern Ontario with Total Sport Solutions' expertise in maintaining backyard rinks. Our blog post delves into strategies for handling 'preslushification' and ensuring a skate-ready rink, regardless of snow conditions. We cover methods for managing slush on thin ice and effective snow removal on thicker rinks. Plus, we offer tips on preventing slush formation, like drilling strategic holes in the ice, for a smoother skating experience post-freeze. Join us in mastering the art of backyard rink maintenance during the snowy season

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Planning

• Measure the area where you want your rink.  If using our Thermoplastic Boards you will want to keep the length and width of your court divisible by 4 as each board is 4’ long.
• Measure the slope.  Many backyards look flat but in fact can have a significant slope when it comes to creating an ice rink.  A string line with a string level will allow you to check the slope of your backyard.  Call us if you need guidance on how to do this.
• Access to water.  When choosing the location of your rink, make sure it’s near an easily accessible water source. This will make it much easier when it's time to flood and resurface your rink.  When you're done resurfacing you'll need to bring your hose back inside so it doesn't freeze solid. When the hose is brought inside, it will have some water left in it. If you have a hose reel, most of the water will be dispersed while winding it up. If not, do your best to drain the hose before bringing it inside and have a large bucket or garbage can to set the hose in for the water that may still drain out can be nicely contained within your container leaving no mess.
• Before the frost.  If your rink is going on grass, as most rinks are, you need to plan ahead and have the brackets installed BEFORE the frost sets in.  Installing the brackets and boards should take place well in advance of the cold weather arriving.

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Wow, September already!  Another summer almost over and soon we will be looking for outdoor winter activities to keep our families active, engaged and healthy.  Have you ever thought about putting up a backyard rink for the winter?
A backyard rink can keep the kids active, entertained and outside for hours.  Total Sport Solutions is your local dealer for NiceRink, the #1 backyard rink company!  We have all you need for a basic rink right up to creating the ultimate backyard rink!  If you can dream it, we can make it happen. 

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It is getting closer to that time of year where Canadians across the country lace up their skates and head outside to the ice. Nothing beats stepping on the frozen water and listening to the sound of your blades scuffing the frozen surface. That is, unless you can do it in your backyard.

Install your backyard rink with help from the professionals at Total Sport Solutions. We strive to ensure that everything is built safely and quickly. We also have many accessories ready for you, including brackets, boards, resurfacers, liners, and rink packages. Ready to get on the ice in as little as two hours? We can make it happen.

Before tennis and basketball started winning Canadian’s hearts, there was ice hockey. That national pastime in which two teams battle it out on ice to shoot a rubber puck into a net. What is more satisfying than lacing up skates and hitting the ice? Why, it's having a rink right in your backyard during the hockey season for all of your family and friends to enjoy, of course!

Having a backyard ice rink can bring hours of fun on those cold, winter days. Whether struggling over a puck or practicing Salchows, an ice rink provides the place and opportunity to hone game skills and increase physical activity.

Families often struggle over building versus buying their backyard rink. If you have the time and skills to build it, then it can be a fantastic bonding activity for you and your family. If you do not have all the necessary skills, or if you lack time to build a rink correctly, then buying a backyard rink package is ideal.

No backyard rink is complete without the right accessories. After all, you want a place where your kids can go out and have a good time despite the snow and cold temperatures.

Whether you are looking for accessories to help make your ice rink stable all season long, or you want accessories that make playing on it more fun, you have more than enough to choose from.

What are the Best Accessories for Backyard Rinks?
There is no better Canadian pastime than a backyard ice rink. The glistening ice, sun on your face, and the feeling that you are the king of the rink. To get the most out of that special wintertime experience, we highly recommend getting these accessories:

A backyard ice rink is part of the classic winter experience. Every season, you can construct an ice rink for the entire family to enjoy without the hassles of driving, paying admission, or dealing with crowds.

Backyard rinks do not have to be complicated to maintain – if you construct it right the first time

6 Considerations for Perfect Ice Rinks
You have a few decisions to make before you get started, and if you follow these steps, you can construct a rink that is easy to maintain with your schedule, and available all winter to enjoy.

Here is how you get started with ice rinks in your backyard: